Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for loading grain into a grain bag using a grain bagging apparatus that can expand and contract to accommodate different grain bag sizes. The apparatus is comprised of an expandable grain discharge tunnel. This expandable tunnel comprises a stationary section and a flanking side. The flanking side can expand in an outwardly direction away from the stationary section to increase the overall width of the grain discharge tunnel such that differently sized grain bags can be utilized with a single grain bagging apparatus. The flanking side can be slid in an inwardly direction towards the stationary section into a first position for use with smaller grain bags. In the first position, the apparatus is easier to transport or store. The grain bag can be loaded onto the grain bagging apparatus in a first position and then the expandable grain discharge tunnel can be expanded into the second position.

Abstract: Presently disclosed embodiments are directed to a system and method for loading mail trays in a sorter without human intervention. Specifically, the disclosed embodiments utilize an automated mail tray having a bottom plate that is selectively moveable between an elevated position and a lowered position. The automated mail tray may be positioned on a shelf under a corresponding output pocket of a mail stacker, and the bottom plate may be elevated to receive mail product transferred from the output pocket to the automated mail tray. After receiving the mail product on the elevated bottom plate, the bottom plate of the mail tray may be lowered so that the mail product is transferred from the output pocket to a position fully situated in the automated mail tray. The mail tray filled with mail product may then be removed from the shelf and replaced with an empty automated mail tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles, in particular a stack of insulation panels, includes an element for supplying a stack of articles to a transfer position, and an adjustable spout forming a discharge channel having a receiving end and a distal end. The apparatus is further operative to wrap the stack with a packaging foil material, and transfer it into the spout. The adjustable spout comprises at least four spout members which are moveable relative to each other so as to vary the height and the width of the spout.

Abstract: A product packaging system is provided having a series of selector wedges that engage the lower portions of a series of products moving along a product infeed conveyor. The selector wedges separate the products into product groups for loading into product cartons moving adjacent the product infeed conveyor. At approximately the same time the selector wedges are engaging the products, a series of lugs are conveyed by an overhead lug system into engagement with each of the products being engaged so as to help stabilize the products and prevent tipping of the products as they are separated and loaded into their corresponding product cartons.

Abstract: A method for packaging of food products, in which at least two products are to be packaged at the same portion carrier is disclosed. The method may include: raising the food product to be moved to a portion carrier by a gripping device; moving the food product to the selected portion carrier, and releasing the food product to the portion carrier. The releasing of the food product may include: positioning the gripping device at a predetermined level in relation to the portion carrier; and setting the gripping device to a first open position, whereby the gripping device defines a space for the food product to be placed in.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for packaging articles, in particular a stack of insulation panels, said apparatus comprising means for supplying a stack comprising one or more articles (1) to a transfer position (3), an adjustable spout (5) providing a discharge channel and having a receiving end and a distal end and with packaging means (6) provided adjacent the distal end, so that the stack is received at the receiving end and discharged at the distal end provided with a packaging foil material, means for transferring said stack in a transfer direction into the spout, wherein the adjustable spout comprises at least four spout members (51, 51, 53, 54), where a plurality of the spout members are moveable relative to each other in one or more directions perpendicular to the transfer direction for increasing or decreasing the height and the width of the spout.

Abstract: An ice bagging system is described.

Abstract: An apparatus that loads horizontally oriented slugs of edible, edge-standing items into trays includes a tray delivery mechanism having a tray infeed for receiving trays, a tray outfeed from which filled trays can be removed from the apparatus and a tray conveyor that moves the trays from the tray infeed to the tray outfeed. An over head transfer mechanism is disposed above the tray conveyor. The over head transfer mechanism includes a pusher flight and a retainer flight. The pusher flight and retainer flight are configured to cooperate to transfer a pre-selected number of edge-standing items forming the slug from a counting conveyor to a tray loading area. The overhead transfer mechanism includes a flight adjustment system that adjusts a distance between the retainer flight and the pusher flight to change the pre-selected number of edge-standing items transferred by the over head transfer mechanism from the counting conveyor to the tray loading area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a product cartoning system having dynamic carton carriers that may restrain or not restrain the package during different steps of the cartoning process. Certain steps such as vibrating may benefit from open carton carriers while other steps such as closing a side of the carton may benefit from closed carton carriers. This invention also relates to a product cartoning system having adjustable carton carriers driven by more than one carton chain to allow varying a width between two of the carton carrier sidewalls to accommodate different size or shape cartons. This invention also relates to methods of use for the product cartoning systems of this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device (2) for placing boxes (1), in particular egg boxes, in an outer packaging, wherein the gripping device comprises a amobile frame (3); grippers (4) placed on both sides of the frame in such a way that in use the grippers are situated on both sides of the box, whereby the grippers can be moved between a box supporting position and an unloading position, wherein each gripper is formed by a mainly pen-shaped body with a hook-shaped end (6), whereby at least the hook-shaped end (6) can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the gripper, and wherein the grippers on the one side of the box are attached staggeringly in relation to the grippers on the other side of the box.

Abstract: At least one movable interlocking sidewall structure provides alteration of the physical dimensions for a solid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical temporary storage cavity and/or transmission channel. Preferably a plurality of interlocking sidewall structures are simultaneously adjusted so that an array of cavities and/or transmission channels may have their physical dimensions simultaneously altered by the mechanical action of a drive member. Advantageously the adjustment of the structure provides a more suitable space within which a solid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical product may be temporarily stored or transferred.

Abstract: A system and method of loading a product into a carton includes loading the product into a carrier and then extending the carrier into the carton. The product is then restrained within the carton as the carrier is removed from the carton. The carrier may include a static carrier having a fixed volume or a dynamic carrier having moveable sidewalls.

Abstract: A semi-automated packaging apparatus allows for an operator to fill a presented container without contaminating the container rim. The presentation of an empty container and subsequent removal of a filled container are performed automatically under control of the operator. The apparatus comprises a plurality of separate, removable modules including: a de-nester module for separating the containers from a stack; a container-presenting module for moving the currently de-nested container into position to be filled by an operator and subsequently removing a filled container; a removable tray with a central opening to allow an operator to place foodstuffs in the presented container; and a user interface module, coupled to each of the other modules for allowing the selection of the proper container opening dimensions (associated with the proper tray selection) and depth dimension (associated with the proper movement of the container-presenting module), as well as to control the “pace” of the packaging operation.

Abstract: A conveying device for machines for packaging rolled articles includes a series of carriages, fastened, regularly spaced apart, to conveying means moved stepwise along an endless path. Each pair of adjacent carriages define holding seats for respective groups of articles to be packaged in a single pack with a sheet of a wrapping material. The carriages include a plurality of pushing prongs which extend, perpendicular to the conveying means, from slide means slidingly mounted on gliding means fastened to the conveying means crosswise to a forward movement direction of conveying means. The conveying device include also means for adjusting the position of the pushing prongs on the carriages, aimed at operating the slide means to move in a selected position along the gliding means.

Abstract: A combination including, preferably, alternate tunnel extensions for a bagging machine, the extensions alternately fitted to a primary tunnel with quick-release fasteners. One of the extensions for filling a determined bag size and the other extension for filling a larger size bag. A bag support provided on the other extension for increasing the dimensional support for the bag to accommodate the larger bag size.

Abstract: An agricultural bagging machine comprising a wheeled frame having a collapsible tunnel positioned at the rearward end thereof. The tunnel may be positioned in its operative position for bagging purposes but may be collapsed to reduce the width thereof for transport purposes. In another embodiment, the tunnel is selectively movably mounted on the wheeled frame so that the output end thereof may be moved between upper and lower positions.

Abstract: An article to be packaged and a packaging bag for covering the article are supplied to heat sealing mechanisms which arrive at uniform time intervals, in synchronism with cycle timing of the respective-heat sealing mechanisms. A vertically openable beak-shaped hopper and a sliding plate perform reciprocal movement at a uniform time interval along guides on both sides, and arrive at circulating sealing platforms. The hopper is inserted into an opening of the packaging bag hanging down from above, and conveys the packaging bag to the sealing platform whilst extending the same. In response to a relevant signal, a forward-and-reverse motor coupled to a ball screw causes the article to advance following the hopper by an insertion rod moving along the guides.

Abstract: An adjustable pneumatic density control is provided for an agricultural bagging machine which not only acts as an anchor against premature movement of the machine as the bag is being filled, but also controls the density of the material being packed in an agricultural bag. The adjustable pneumatic density control comprises an inflatable bladder which is supported upon the rearward end of a flexible cable extending from the frame of the bagging machine. An air line extends to the bladder to supply air to the interior thereof to enable the size of the bladder to be selectively varied. A density control gauge or meter is imposed in the air line to enable the operator to ascertain and control the pressure within the bladder. An optional shield is also provided which extends partially around the bladder to reduce wear on the bladder and to prevent damage to the bladder.

Abstract: A bag filling machine having a tunnel and a bag fitted to the tunnel for transferring material compacted in the tunnel and in the compacted state, into the bag. The tunnel is composed of a bottom portion and alternating top portions that are alternatively and selectively secured to the bottom portion. Said top portion defining a portion of the circumferential rear end opening and having different circumferential end portions that adapt the tunnel to different bag sizes.

Abstract: A bottle handling device for assisting in inserting a number of similar sized bottles into a secondary container, such as a partitionless beer carton. The device comprises a frame which, when inserted into the empty carton, provides a number of similar sized cells or compartments equal to the number of bottles which would completely fill the carton. The frame is maintained by support means above the shoulders of the bottles when located in the carton. Each bottle is inserted into, and its main body passes through, the frame until the bottle sits on the carton floor, the walls of each cell preventing a bottle in that cell from toppling over and hindering the insertion of further bottles and completion of filling of the carton. Upon completion and filling of the carton, the device is readily removed for reuse and the bottles are maintained in their upright condition by contacting adjacent bottles and the carton walls.

Abstract: A conveyor system has a bucket with a pivoting side wall. The pivoting movement of the leading side wall is actuated by a cam follower which engage; a cam rail. As the bucket passes through a carton loading station, the cam rail moves the cam follower to adjust the rotational position of the side wall. This pivoting movement will push back the leading side flap of a carton, thus making the loading of the carton easier. For different sized cartons, the transverse position of the cam rail can be adjusted thus altering the relevant rotational movement of the pivoting side wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading dough product into a container through a container opening includes a spoon assembly and a carriage. The spoon assembly includes a support rail and a spoon joined to the support rail, the spoon having a discharge opening. A container holder is also joined to the support rail. The container holder supports the container proximate the discharge opening. The carriage detachably receives the support rail at at least two spaced-apart positions.

Abstract: A packaging that is capable to simultaneously process cartons having two different cross-sections, or to convert from processing a carton having one cross-section to a processing cartons having another cross-section. Using TETRA REX.RTM. gable top cartons as an example, a dual line packaging machine may process cartons having a 95 mm.times.70 mm cross-section on one line and process cartons having a 95 mm.times.95 mm cross-section on the other line. The packaging machine may have eccentric housing column for simple adjustments of the width of the lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a guide slidably mounted on a machine wherein the guide is driven by a lead screw turned by a DC motor through a worm drive gearhead. The DC motor is controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) with input from an operator interface and feedback from a hollow shaft encoder attached directly to a shaft extending from the lead screw. Ladder logic programming in the PLC directs the motor to run or stop based on comparing a target position for the guide with the current position based on electrical signals from said encoder. A home position for each guide corresponds to the guide's position when it has moved fully outward encountering an outward stop. The programming also allows manual jogging of the guide through the operator interface. The programming takes up mechanical backlash in the apparatus on each move by overshooting the target position a predetermined amount when a move is made in an outward direction.

Abstract: A fish-canning machine having two adjacent parallel rotary turrets each having fish-receiving forming pockets in the periphery thereof. The turrets are positioned to align two of the pockets with each other to form a single combined pocket which is then filled with fish from a corresponding large size feed chute of increasing cross-sectional area. The fish in the pockets is severed between the turrets and the turrets are rotated by different amounts to move the filled pockets laterally out of alignment with each other. The fish in both filled pockets is formed into the shape of a can and ejected endwise from the pockets into two separate cans. Spaces between the turrets and the housing provide for plate inserts and variation in the thickness of the forming elements so as to accommodate a variety of pack sizes and characteristics. The plate inserts include studs which extend through the housing with attachment spacers to engage attachment bars.

Abstract: A fish-canning machine having two adjacent parallel rotary turrets each having fish-receiving forming pockets in the periphery thereof. The turrets are positioned to align two of the pockets with each other to form a single combined pocket which is then filled with fish from a corresponding large size feed chute of increasing cross-sectional area. The fish in the pockets is severed between the turrets and the turrets are rotated by different amounts to move the filled pockets laterally out of alignment with each other. The fish in both filled pockets is formed into the shape of a can and ejected endwise from the pockets into two separate cans. Turret shoes and forming shoes are associated with the turrets which extend beyond the turret plate widths to define, with the immediately adjacent plate inserts, the forming pockets. The width of the shoes employed may easily be altered depending on the desired thickness of the pack.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for shifting objects from a first conveyor to a container transferred by a second conveyor. The apparatus includes a holder guide, a displacing mechanism for moving the holder guide, a plurality of holders carried by the holder guide and spaced from each other for receiving the objects from the first conveyor. The holders are movable on the holder guide. A pitch changing mechanism is mounted for selectively causing the holders to move on the holder guide in response to the movement of the holder guide. A discharging mechanism causes the holders to discharge the received objects into the container. The pitch changing mechanism includes a first cam arranged adjacent to at least one of the holders for selectively causing the one of the holders to move on the holder guide. The pitch changing mechanism further includes a second cam held in contact with the first cam for positionally adjusting the first cam.

Abstract: A bag filling station including a main body having a loading bay with a bottom, a first end, and a second end. The bottom of the loading bay may be movable in a horizontal direction. At the first end of the loading bay is a loading ram or actuator having a pusher arm which is also movable in a horizontal direction. Adjacent to the loading bay, at its second end, are two spreader plates, each of which is coupled to the main body and movable between a rearward position and a forward position. Each spreader plate is also moveable along a linear path, between a first, open position and a second, closed position. The bag filling station also includes a platform which is located near and above the second end of the loading bay and has a centrally positioned opening. A stack of bags is placed on the platform over the opening. Under the platform, near the second end of the loading bay, is a vertically oriented, linear actuator or rod.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine is adapted to insert a plurality of layers of product into a carton. In a preferred embodiment, the product is carried in an X-Y tray which is able to expand or to contract in width and to raise or lower, thereby giving two dimensional geometrical adjustments. A first layer of product is loaded into the X-Y tray. Then the tray is lowered and a second layer is placed over the first layer. The process is repeated for any number of layers. Thereafter, the stack of layers is pushed into a carton.

Abstract: This invention provides utilizes a centering device located in the accumulation portion of mail production equipment to reduce jamming caused by the insertion of material into an open envelope. The apparatus of this invention is located in the accumulation area of production mail equipment before the inserter. The apparatus of this invention includes: two guides; a solenoid and a flexible wire cable. Two centering guides are actuated through a solenoid and move to a predetermined center position to align and deskew the accumulated enclosure contents (which may include printed and pre-printed folded sheets, business reply envelopes and other insert material). A flexible wire cable is used to provide highly efficient transfer of motion from the solenoid to the centering guides.

Abstract: Loading device, particularly for loading containers carried on a conveyor, including a vertically fixed funnel with a shutter arranged in the area of its delivery aperture. In order to ensure reliable loading of the containers in such a device, it is provided that lateral of the funnel, adjustable covering elements, such as slides, are arranged, which can be positioned close to the upper rims of the containers, which may vary in their vertical dimensions.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for handling food, chemical or pharmaceutical products effects sequentially the thermoforming, the loading with products, and the final production of trays for handling the products. These handling trays comprise a receiving recess (8) for the products (P) and a film (3) welded thereover, as well as a cover (9) of one piece with the recess (8) used in the handling of food, chemical or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously packing a plurality of articles into receiving cartons. A loading station is utilized in combination with a carton feeding queue for delivering a continuous sequence of cartons to the loading station. A mechanism is provided to transport the cartons along the carton feeding queue and to maintain at least the next successive carton in the queue in continuous longitudinal engagement with any carton at the loading station. An article orienting and delivery queue is employed for longitudinally aligning a plurality of articles in the desired longitudinal, end-to-end, and lateral, side-by-side, relationship. A slide portion of the article orienting and delivery queue is inclined to permit the articles longitudinally to traverse the slide portion and to be received at the loading station by gravity. A transfer device is provided at the discharge end of the loading head to support the articles as they continue to descend by gravity and engage the carton at the loading station.

Abstract: A loader for an automatic packaging machine has a plurality of input conveyor belts that run at successively slower speeds in order to bring products into a predetermined product density. A metering wheel picks up the products one at a time and delivers them to a metering conveyor belt having upstanding fences defining batch areas. The profile of the metering wheel may be changed, by substitution, in order to pick up another product. A product counter moves the metering conveyor belt a distance equal to one batch area responsive to a batch count indicating that the metering wheel has delivered a selected number of products to one of the batch areas. In one embodiment, the product is a tube of soda crackers. Down stream, the soda crackers are slid into position without abrading one tube of crackers against another tube of crackers. For horizontal layers, abrasion is avoided by using a variable width mandrel.

Abstract: A vertically oriented horizontally extending carton conveyor and loading apparatus incorporates a mechanical mechanism for simultaneously adjusting the distance between a pair of longitudinally extending guide rails at a plurality of locations. The carton conveyor also includes an intermediate member and a carton finishing apparatus disposed on the intermediate member for closing and sealing operations. The mechanical mechanism simultaneously moves a first of the guide rails and the intermediate member laterally with respect to a second of the guide rails, but with the mounting member being moved one half of the distance of the first guide rail.

Abstract: An adjustable pocket mechanism for a vertical cartoner includes a plurality of adjustable pockets to accommodate different sizes of cartons. The pocket mechanism includes a pair of endless parallel chains which pass around a pair of upper and lower sprockets. The mechanism also includes a pair of transport lugs or pocket forming members which define the outer parameters of a carton. A first of lugs or leading lug is fixed to a first of the chains but moves freely with respect to a second of the chains while a second of the lugs is fixed to the second of the chains and free to move with respect to the first chain. A clutch assembly may be used to adjust the position of the chains relative to one another in order to vary the size of the pocket. The adjustable pocket mechanism also includes a guide rod disposed in a sleeve.

Abstract: A vertically oriented horizontally extending carton conveyor and loading apparatus includes a mechanical mechanism for transporting a plurality of cartons along an endless pathway in a horizontal plane. The apparatus also includes carton finishing systems and a second mechanical mechanism for adjusting the carton conveyor to accommodate cartons of different sizes and for positioning the cartons with respect to the loading apparatus and finishing systems. This second mechanical mechanism fixes an upper, back and trailing corner of a carton with respect to the pathway so that the upper, back and trailing corner provides a reference point for adjustments with respect to carton width, thickness and height.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles straddles a conveyor line delivering articles to be packaged. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an article holding unit moveable linearly between a retracted position wherein it is positioned to one side of the conveyor line and an operative position wherein it is positioned downstream of the conveyor line so that it receives and holds an article arriving at the apparatus. A bag transfer unit is also moveable linearly between a first position to one side of the conveyor line opposite that of the article holding unit, to retrieve the bag in which the article is to be placed and a second position to pull the bag over at least a portion of the article holding unit and the article held thereby. As the bag transfer unit draws a bag over the article and the article holding unit, the article holding unit is moved to its retracted position allowing the bagged article to fall to another conveyor line and be carried away from the apparatus.

Abstract: Goods drop out device 14 having goods receptacle portions 27 defined in a drop out box 23 and shutter devices 21 for opening and closing the bottoms of the goods receptacle portions 27, comprises the shutter devices 21 each comprise a smaller opening and closing member 56 pivotable about a support shaft 58 extending substantially in parallel to the bottom of the goods receptacle portion 27 for opening and closing the bottom, a pushing rod 62 contacting with the lower surface of the smaller opening and closing member 56 and moving toward and away from the lower surface, and an opening and closing cylinder device 63 for driving the pushing rod 62 and operating to close the bottom of the goods receptacle portion 27 by pushing up the opening and closing member 56 by the pushing rod 62.

Abstract: A bale bagging method and apparatus are disclosed. Bales are passed through a collapsible tunnel, preferably formed of panels of flexible, yet self-supporting plastic material. A plastic film tube is supported on the tunnel as the bales are passed through. The tube has the same circumference as the bales so that the tunnel is held tightly against the bales. At the rear end of the tunnel is a retaining hoop over which the tube is stretched. Once the tube passes over the hoop, it contracts onto the bale to fit very tightly onto the bale, thus minimizing wind fatigue in the bag.

Abstract: The conveying arm is composed of a first lower portion by which products assembled for wrapping are restrained, and a supporting upper portion embodied integrally with the first, which affords two slots occupying the full width of the arm as measured transversely to the conveying direction and designed to couple with two respective rails; the first such slot is located in and accessible from the face of the upper portion directed toward the products, and functions as a sliding bearing, whilst the second slot is located to the rear of the first. The arm is fashioned in a deformable material and its deformability enhanced by a narrow extension of the rear slot, in such a way that the upper portion can be locked to and released from the rail swiftly by applying a corresponding force parallel to the conveying direction.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine comprises a spaced parallel pair of conveyor chains for transporting a plurality of pallets around an endless path. A pair of guide rails are connected between the conveyor chains for slidingly carrying each pallet. A plurality of control bars are slidably mounted on the guide rails. Two or more cam slots are provided at selected locations along the path followed by the conveyor chains in order to independently control the position of each of the control bars as a function of their instantaneous locations in the packaging machine. A stabilization support system built into the control bars provides enough play to dissipate centrifugal force and thereby enable the machine to operate at a higher speed. An X-Y mounting system may be provided in order to enable the pallets to undertake two dimensional motion. The control bars enable specific points in the surface area of the pallet to undertake specific motions which are independent of the motion of the pallet.

Abstract: A crop bagging machine is provided with a movable chassis having adjustable brakes and a grain container having a rear tunnel defining a rear opening. A pliable plastic bag is fit to the tunnel with the bag bottom closing the opening. A bin on the chassis receives grain, e.g., from a truck and an auger transports the grain from the bin to an elevated position in the container that is above the height of the filled bag. The adjustable brakes are set to establish the level of grain pile in the container to cover the opening and thereby fill the bag. The brakes are independently controlled to provide limited steering. An additional embodiment of the invention shows downsizing for reduction in cost and in dimension for compatibility with conventional shipping containers while further providing adjustability in tunnel size to accommodate variation in bag diameter. A further additional embodiment provides for a modified conveyor system for the grain that utilizes air flow.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine comprises a spaced parallel pair of conveyor chains for transporting a plurality of mandrels. A pair of guide rails connected between the conveyor chains for slidably carrying each mandrel, so that a mandrel may be moved in a product transport position to a loading station. At the loading station, the mandrel is thrust forward to confront a box so that the product may be pushed into a box. The mandrel may be made wider to accept product without a precise alignment between mandrel and product or more narrow to fit the product into a box at the loading station. Two cam slots are provided to independently control the thrust position and the width of the mandrel. A stabilization support provides enough play to dissipate centrifugal force and thereby enable the machine to operate at a higher speed.

Abstract: A carton loading system has a carton carrier movable along a carton carrier support track driven by a continuous conveyor. The continuous conveyor has a first path segment in which the continuous conveyor drives the carton carrier along the track while a carton is placed into the carton carrier from a carton storage magazine by a carton transfer device. The continuous conveyor also has a second segment with a first portion arranged such that the conveyor is disengaged from the carton carrier to allow the carrier to a stop, permitting loading of the carton. At the loading station an accumulator may be positioned to load the carton. The second portion of the second segment is such that conveyor re-engages the carton carrier so that the carton carrier moves again along the track. The carton may be discharged from the carton carrier while the carton carrier moves along the track. The system may be adapted to provide for adjustable components such that cartons of differing depths can be accommodated.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the adjustment of the holding capacity of a package carrier (3) supported on a line (1) and which comprises at least one externally plane side wall (4) which is closest to the line (1) and which extends parallel with this latter and with the direction of conveyance of the package carrier (3), there being on the inner surface of the package carrier (3) recesses (5) for positioning of the package.

Abstract: A portable loader may be brought up to and selectively positioned to deliver product into mandrels carried by an automatic packaging machine. The loader may receive product on an asynchronous and on-demand basis and delivers product on a time basis coordinated with operation of the automatic packaging machine. The loader has two bins which are opened and closed in sequence to receive and deliver product with a buffer time storage in a second of the two bins in order to accommodate the timing of the packaging machine. The loader handles pouches and similarly irregularly shaped product, having a geometry which may vary at random. The pouches are gently shaped to fit into a box as they are transferred from a source of product into a loading position of the packaging machine.

Abstract: A cartoner assembly loading article groups into open carton sleeves. The cartoner assembly comprises an article infeed mechanism supplying at least one stream of articles, an article selecting mechanism intersecting the article infeed mechanism to form and move a stream of article groups of a predetermined pattern, a carton supply mechanism synchronized and moving parallel with said article selecting mechanism to provide cartons with open ends facing the moving article groups, and an article group transfer mechanism constructed and arranged to move article groups into the open ends of the carton sleeves.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine comprises a spaced parallel pair of conveyor chains for transporting a plurality of mandrels. A pair of guide rails connected between the conveyor chains for slidably carrying each mandrel, so that a mandrel may be moved in a product transport position to a loading station. At the loading station, the mandrel is thrust forward to confront a box so that the product may be pushed into a box. The mandrel may be made wider to accept product without a precise alignment between mandrel and product or more narrow to fit the product into a box at the loading station. Two cam slots are provided to independently control the thrust position and the width of the mandrel. A stabilization support provides enough play to dissipate centrifugal force and thereby enable the machine to operate at a higher speed.

Abstract: A tray-like mandrel for an automatic packaging machine has a telescoping bottom so that it may be made wide in order to receive a product or narrow in order to fit into a box. The telescoping is controlled by a slot track cam extending along a path followed by the mandrel. A cam follower riding in the slot track adjusts the tray width.